A Ministry of Long Talks.

 1-) The Drunk Guy Who Calls Me Pastor has been sober for 5 days now. The change in him is remarkable, even after such a short time. He says he's been through Hell to get here, and I don't doubt it.

2-) The Lady With the Red-Haired Daughter has been attending a ladies bible-study at a local church and is enjoying it. I'm so happy that she's a part of this group - we all need to belong. But I'm also afraid for her. The group is part of the what we call the Million Dollar Church. Going there is like attending a hotel convention centre. She's not articulate and may not present herself well in - oh crap, I'm afraid she's going to end up being hurt. I'm afraid that sometimes a ladies bible study can be intimidating. What was the line from 'Wild Night', by Van Morrison? "All the girls walk by, dressed up for each other." Anyway, she's enjoying it very much right now, and I'm glad for her. She doesn't have a bible so I'm buying her one this weekend. Nuff said.

3-) The Million Dollar Church donated 150 bag lunches to us today, along with about 100 muffins. What kind of event leaves you with 150 extra bag lunches? One that was cancelled, I suppose, by a rather heavy snowfall that's occupied the better part of the day. We gave them out as folks were leaving after dinner.

4-) This afternoon I met with the staff and volunteers, talking about mission, vision and values - about why this place matters. Tonight before dinner I sat down with a table full of teenagers. The kids are struggling with some of the adults just as much as the adults are with them. Sooner or later you have to let kids be kids. I'm meeting with the teenagers on Monday and I'm going to spend some time listening. Then I'm going to share my vision and passion for this place, and ask them to join me. Of course, no youth event schedule ever survived first contact with the youth, so it's going to be interesting. I want them to know I believe in them. Living like I believe in them, however, is going to be a different thing altogether.

5-) Had a conversation with a guy whose struggling with a raft of health issues. I could see it in his face as I walked by and stopped and sat down with him. He spent the entire day at the hospital. They've started a new regimen for him so he's still going to die in three years but he'll die with a perfectly healthy liver. Now that's something to think about.

6-) Had a conversation with a volunteer who suggested we recognize the volunteers by calling them out in the room before dinner so they can be presented with a certificate and everyone can applaud and they can take a bow. I told her that was something to think about, too.

Comments

[wilsonian]

Were you able to respond to #6 volunteer with a straight face? ;)

[lorna]

Thanks for this glimpse into your mission - your world.

[joanee]

You will do great with the teenagers,I have listened to your nephews talk about you and they love you especially your sense of humor and you know these are young people who never show any love for adults .You won them over years ago .I watched Glen at Christmas listening to every word you said . Teenagers just naturally like you.

[Tiffany (Mrs. Bush League Theologian)]

A certifcate and applause? Maybe she should go into the theater. She could bow then too.

[Amber]

Wow. I can't believe people. But then, I guess I can. Still, a certificate and applause??

Glad the drunk guy is still sober.
Hope the lady with the red-haired daughter doesn't get hurt. You are so right about ladies bible studies. Maybe this one is different? I hope.

Hope it all goes well with the teens too. I seem to fit in better with teens than most adults.

[John Lunt]

I pray that every one of those teenagers catches your passion for Jesus and people. Father, use RWK to speak into the hearts of each teenager. Speak into their purpose and destiny and change their lives. Amen.

Maybe something great will happen for the lady with the red haired daughter. Maybe she will develop some great relationships. It may be an affluent church, with people who are well off, but God can still work in them and through them to fulfill his purposes. I understand the concern, but we have to trust that Jesus has things under control.

Love what you're doing RWK.... You're an inspiration to all of us.

[[rhymes with kerouac]]

John - Thank you - so much. I really, really appreciate being prayed for. Like you, I have high hopes for The Lady With the Red-Haired Daughter also. God's people are everywhere, and He is accomplishing His purposes. I have to tell you though, that I'm fortunate that this is my job. If I had to go out and work in the world I'm not sure I'd have the energy - or the heart - left to do what you're doing every weekend. You sir, are an inspiration to me.

[[rhymes with kerouac]]

Wilsonian - Yup, I was. I know there are different "love languages" and that some people need to be praised, but, jeepers, that was a bit much.

lorna - Just doin' my thang!

joanee - I was slipping rye into my nephew's coke. He likes me now...

Tiffany - Pretty much my thoughts, too.

Amber - Yup. I generally like teens better.

[Pam Hogeweide]

if you ever come to portland you must meet ken loyd, a pastor i know who loves "his friends who live outside." he won't even use the H word cuz it has such a loser/failure thing loaded into it.

he just started a church plant for street youth and by youth. together they decided to call it Home, because, explained one young man, Everybody needs a home to go to.

[Psalm 46]

YUK!! No applause thanks!!
I have been away for awhile with my Mom who is sick. I have missed you and this site!
Blessings!

[[rhymes with kerouac]]

Psalm 46 - Glad to have you back!